Gesta to prove his worth vs IBF king Vazquez

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta has waited a long time for his chance at the world title.

But his manager, Vince Parra, said it's worth the wait.

Gesta, who remains undefeated in 26 fights, will challenge International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez in the undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez IV.

“Even though we wanted this shot years ago, I can’t say I’m not happy with the work that we’ve had up to this point and the matches that [Top Rank] put us in order to prepare us for this,” Parra told the Examiner.

The US-based Cebuano is currently training in the mountains of Big Bear, California, making sure that he will be in top condition once he fights Vazquez.

Parra cited the title fight will serve as an opportunity for Gesta to show what he’s made of.

“I think this is the right time and people are really going to get to see what he’s capable of and see what we’ve been saying the whole time, that he’s an elite fighter,” he said. “This is the opportunity, now it’s up to Mercito to deliver.”

Parra added that the seclusion of Big Bear is also helping Gesta focus for the upcoming bout.

“We’re taking full advantage of this great facility. We wanted to get him out of town and just get him focused 110%. This is the biggest fight of his life, so that was the primary reason, was the seclusion and the altitude.”